Elastomeric pin isolator

ABSTRACT

An elastomeric pin isolator is provided, including an elastomeric material, configured to engage a first support structure or mass, and a pin member, engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin member configured to slidably engage at least one of a second support structure or mass and the elastomeric material, and further wherein at least a portion of the elastomeric member is disposed between the first and second support structures or masses such that the first and second support structures or masses do not directly contact.

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/434,290, filed Dec. 17, 2002, the entiredisclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure describes an elastomeric pin isolator usedas a shock and vibration isolation device.

[0003] Elastomer isolators may generally be used to provide shock andvibration isolation between a mass and its surrounding structure.Characteristics of the elastomer material and the isolator structure maybe varied to tailor attenuation values. In the case of consumerelectronics, a high damped elastomer may be used to provide additionalattenuation of transient loads and resonances. Additionally, ribs may beused on outer or internal surfaces to allow for greater displacementcapability and lower stiffness.

[0004] Reference is made to PRIOR ART FIG. 1, which illustratesconventional elastomeric grommets 10 secured by threaded fasteners 12.Exemplary fixturing of such grommets is illustrated by PRIOR ART FIGS.2-4. Conventional grommets 10 are inserted into sheet metal or otherthin, rigid material 20, e.g., a frame of a computer, and connected toan isolated mass 16, e.g., a computer hard drive, by a threaded fastener12. Such grommets 10 must be loaded by the head 18 of the threadedfastener 12 or by a washer (not shown) on one side and by the isolatedmass 16 on the other side. With reference to Prior Art FIGS. 3 and 4,the orientation can also be reversed, such that the thin, rigid material20 is isolated from a surrounding structure 14. Nuts 22 and/or washers24 may be required to secure the fastener 12.

[0005] Installation of conventional elastomeric isolators is generallycumbersome on a large scale, particularly where such installationrequires tools, such as screwdrivers or socket wrenches, and hardware,including washers and nuts. There is a demand for quality isolationproducts that are easier and faster to install.

SUMMARY

[0006] The presently described elastomeric pin isolator overcomes andalleviates the above and other problems and disadvantages of the priorart. The present elastomeric pin isolator includes an elastomericmaterial, configured to engage a first support structure or mass, and apin member, engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin memberconfigured to slidably engage at least one of a second support structureor mass and the elastomeric material, and further wherein at least aportion of the elastomeric member is disposed between the first andsecond support structures or masses such that the first and secondsupport structures or masses do not directly contact.

[0007] The above discussed and other features and advantages of theelastomeric pin isolator will be appreciated and understood by thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are numberedalike in the several FIGURES:

[0009] PRIOR ART FIG. 1 illustrates conventional grommets with threadedfasteners;

[0010] PRIOR ART FIGS. 2-4 illustrate conventional fixturing of grommetswith threaded fasteners;

[0011]FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator inserted in sheet metal and loaded on a topside;

[0012]FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0013]FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 5;

[0014]FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 7 taken along section 1-1;

[0015]FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary elastomeric pinisolator in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0016]FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator including radial ribs;

[0017]FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 10 taken along section 2-2;

[0018]FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator including radial voids; and

[0019]FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplaryelastomeric pin isolator of FIG. 12 taken along section 3-3;

[0020]FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary tray application incorporatingpresently described elastomeric pin isolators; and

[0021]FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary tray application with an isolatedmass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 5, the presently described elastomeric pinisolator, shown generally at 30, is illustrated in an installedposition, wherein elastomeric material 32 of the elastomeric pinisolator 30 is inserted within a rigid structure 34 and loaded on a topside 36 of the elastomeric material 32 with an isolated mass 38. The pinmember 40 of the elastomeric pin isolator 30 is shown in place betweenthe elastomeric material 32 and the isolated mass 38 and inserted withinan aperture 42 of the isolated mass 38.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 6-9, the presently described elastomericpin isolator 30 is illustrated in greater detail. The elastomeric pinisolator 30 includes an elastomeric material 32 configured to engage afirst support structure 34. The illustrated elastomeric material 32includes a circumferential groove 44 configured to engage the edges (notshown) of a support structure (see 34 in FIG. 5). However, any means ofengaging the elastomeric material 32 with the support structure 34 whenin an installed position is contemplated, including without limitation,various interference fit configurations or slot and pin configurations.Indeed, where such elastomeric pin isolators 30 are used in pairs acrossan isolated mass (see 38 in FIG. 5), and wherein the elastomericmaterials 32 of such elastomeric pin isolators 30 are loaded by theisolated mass 38, a circumferential groove 44 is not required. Rather,the elastomeric pin isolator 30 need only be secured against slippingacross the surface of the support structure 34 facing the isolated mass38. A pin and slot configuration, wherein at least one projection oneither the support structure 34 or the elastomeric material 32 engagesat least one slot on either the elastomeric material 32 or the supportstructure 34, would suffice. Other equivalent means for securing theposition of the elastomeric pin isolator 30 against slippage arecontemplated. Additionally, the elastomeric material 32 may be bondedwith or co-molded to the support structure 34.

[0025] Referring still to FIGS. 5-9, the exemplary elastomeric pinisolator 30 also includes a pin member 40 engaged with the elastomericmaterial 32. The pin member 40 is configured to slidably engage at leastone of a second support structure or mass (e.g., an isolated mass 38)and the elastomeric material 32. Where such pin member 40 is configuredto slidably engage the second support structure or mass, the pin member40 should include a cross sectional diameter less than that of acorresponding aperture (e.g., aperture 42 in FIG. 5) on the secondsupport structure or mass. Where such pin member 40 is configured toslidably engage the elastomeric member 32, the pin member should have across sectional diameter less a stretched diameter of an aperture 46 inthe elastomeric member 32. Additionally, where such pin member 40 isconfigured to slidably engage the elastomeric member 32, either theaperture 46 in the elastomeric member 32 should comprise a closedchannel (not shown), the closed portion of the channel preventing thepin member 40 from falling out of the elastomeric member 32, or the pinmember 40 should include a threaded portion, the threaded portionengaging a corresponding threaded aperture on the second supportstructure or mass (e.g., the isolated mass 38 in FIG. 5).

[0026] With reference again to FIGS. 5-9, the pin member 40 may befixedly engaged with the elastomeric member 32. In one exemplaryembodiment, as illustrated, the pin member may comprise a pin shaft 48and a pin head 50. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the pin head 50 issecured or captured by the elastomeric material 32, such that the pinmember 40 will not disengage from the elastomeric material 32 whendisassembly is not desired. In such case, the elastomeric member 32 maybe installed in place, the second support structure or mass may bepositioned, and the pin shaft 48 may be inserted through apertures 52and 46 in the elastomeric member 32 and into the second supportstructure or mass. Installation is completed by fixedly engaging the pinhead 50 with the elastomeric material 32.

[0027] However, the present disclosure contemplates equivalentconfigurations, e.g., where the pin member 40 is pre-assembled with theelastomeric member 32 or where the pin member 40 does not include a pinhead 50, and wherein the pin member 40 is fixedly secured (i.e., not inslidably engaged with) within the elastomeric material 32, e.g., by amechanical interference fit or by chemical bonding. In one embodiment,the pin member 40 is insert molded into the elastomeric material 32.

[0028] The positioning of the first support structure or masssurrounding an isolated mass and/or the thickness of elastomericmaterial 32 between the first support structure or mass and the isolatedmass may be varied to set any desired pre-load upon the elastomericmembers 32 of the elastomeric pin isolators 30 surrounding the isolatedmass in an assembled state.

[0029] For example, in one embodiment, the positioning of the firstsupport structure or mass is adjusted relative to the size of theisolated mass and the thickness of the elastomeric member 32, whichincludes axial ribs 60, is adjusted such that the elastomeric members 32of each elastomeric pin isolator 30 achieves a pre-loading of about 5 to10 percent the height of the ribs 60 on the elastomeric member 32. Insuch embodiment, the state of compression on the ribs 60 resultant fromthe pre-load provides a source of stiffness to the isolation. Only arelatively large magnitude shock will unload the ribs on one side of theisolated mass. However, even though the ribs are unloaded on one side,the isolated mass does not leave indirect contact with the unloadedelastomeric members because of the sliding nature of the pin member,described above. While a specific pre-load and a specific elastomericmember configuration has been specified by way of example, it should berecognized that both the pre-load and the configuration of theelastomeric member may take equivalent values and conformations or maybe adjusted to suit any number of given applications.

[0030] Additionally, ribs (see axial ribs 60 in FIG. 7) may be providedon the load surface of the elastomeric member 32 to adjust axialstiffness of the isolator. Further, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11,ribs 45 may optionally be placed in the outer diameter of thecylindrical segment in groove 44 to adjust radial stiffness of theisolator. Also, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, cores or voids 47around the pin 40 may optionally be included in the elastomeric member32 to adjust radial stiffness of the isolator.

[0031] The elastomeric material has herein been described as generallycomprising an elastomer. Without limiting the scope, the elastomericmaterial may also be a moldable thermoplastic or thermoset elastomer,e.g., TPE, urethane or natural rubber. The elastomer may or may not havehigh damping characteristics.

[0032] The pin material may be any relatively rigid material. Withoutlimitation, steel, aluminum and high strength plastic, e.g., acetal ornylon, are excellent materials. Also, where a grounding path is desiredbetween the isolated mass and the surrounding structure or chassis, thepin may be selected from any number of electrically conductivematerials, e.g., metallic compositions such as steel. In such case itmay be desired to provide an exposed portion of the pin member or aconductive attachment to the pin member for grounding to the surroundingstructure or chassis.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 14, an exemplary application utilizing aplurality of elastomeric pin isolators 30 is illustrated as a traymechanism, shown generally at 110. In the illustrated embodiment, thetray mechanism 30 utilizes two pairs of such isolators 30, each pairgenerally placed in opposing configurations within the material of thetray 110. The exemplary tray 110 also includes a plurality of side walls111, a plurality of rails 113 connecting such side walls 111 and topsurface tabs 115 deflectable to permit installation of an isolated mass(100 in FIG. 15).

[0034] The illustrated exemplary tray 110 also includes certainadditional features, such as installation apertures 112. Each apertureis provided with an insertion position (or insertion aperture) 114 aswell as an installation position (or installation aperture) 116. Theinsertion position 114 is generally configured with a diameter greaterthat that of the installation position 116, and is configured to permitthe isolators 30 to be inserted at least partially through the materialof the tray 110. The installation position 116 is adjacent to theinsertion position 114 and is configured such that movement of theisolator 30 from the insertion position 114 to the installation position116 effects positive engagement of the isolator circumferential groove44 with the wall material of the tray mechanism 110.

[0035] With further reference to FIG. 14, an additional feature of thetray mechanism 110 is illustrated, including a handle 120 and anengagement clip 122. Such handle and engagement clip features facilitateremovable installation of the tray 110 and isolated mass (100 in FIG.15) in such cases where the tray 110, including side walls 111, rails113 and top surface tabs 115, is configured to slidably engage anotherstructure, e.g., the bay of a computer.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 15, an exemplary isolated mass 100 is shownpartially installed within the exemplary tray mechanism 110 of FIG. 14.The isolated mass 100 includes a plurality of apertures 102 configuredto slidably engage the pins of the plurality of elastomeric pinisolators 30. In one embodiment, the tabs 115 are deflectable to permitthe isolated mass 100 to be in alignment for complete installation. Inanother embodiment, the tabs 115 are deflectable to permit the isolatedmass 100 to clear the tabs 115 as well as the pin members 40 of theinstalled elastomeric pin isolators 30. In such embodiment, when the pinmembers 40 are properly aligned with the apertures 102 in the isolatedmass 100, the deflectable tabs are permitted to return to their originalposition to complete the installation of the isolated mass 100 withinthe tray mechanism 100.

[0037] The presently described elastomeric pin isolator not onlyadvantageously provides a quick and easily installed isolationmechanism, but also provides a space reducing solution relative to priorart elastomeric isolators and fasteners. Such space reduction findsparticular advantage in consumer electronics, e.g., as in the computerhard drive isolation exemplified by the embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15,where space is critical.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, whileexemplary embodiments have been shown and described, variousmodifications and variations can be made to the elastomeric pin isolatorand/or applications utilizing one or more elastomeric pin isolatorsdisclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the variousembodiments have been described by way of illustration and notlimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elastomeric pin isolator, comprising anelastomeric material configured to engage a first support structure ormass and a pin member engaged with the elastomeric material, the pinmember configured to slidably engage at least one of a second supportstructure or mass and the elastomeric material, and further wherein atleast a portion of the elastomeric member is disposed between the firstand second support structures or masses such that the first and secondsupport structures or masses do not directly contact.
 2. The elastomericpin isolator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pin member isconfigured to slidably engage a second support structure, and whereinsaid pin member is fixedly secured to said elastomeric material.
 3. Theelastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 2, wherein saidelastomeric material is co-molded with or bonded to said first supportstructure or mass
 4. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance withclaim 2, wherein said pin member comprises a pin shaft and a pin head,and wherein said pin head is fixedly secured by said elastomericmaterial.
 5. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 4,wherein said pin head is co-molded with or bonded to said elastomericmaterial.
 6. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 4,wherein said elastomeric material partially overlaps said pin head,thereby mechanically securing said pin head against undesireddisassembly.
 7. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1,wherein said elastomeric material includes a circumferential grooveconfigured to engage said first supporting structure or mass.
 8. Theelastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 7, wherein theelastomeric member includes radial ribs in the outer diameter of thecylindrical segment in said circumferential groove.
 9. The elastomericpin isolator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said elastomeric memberdisposed between the first and second support structures or massesincludes a plurality of axial ribs on a load bearing surface thereon.10. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid elastomeric member disposed between the first and second supportstructures or masses includes a plurality of voids in the elastomericmaterial surrounding said pin member.
 11. The elastomeric pin isolatorin accordance with claim 1, wherein said pin member comprises anelectrically conductive material, and wherein said material is exposedto or is otherwise provided with connection to an electrical ground. 12.The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidpin member comprises a rigid material.
 13. The elastomeric pin isolatorin accordance with claim 12, wherein said pin member comprises a metalmaterial.
 14. An elastomeric pin isolator, comprising an elastomericgrommet configured to engage a first support structure or mass and a pinmember engaged with the elastomeric material, the pin member including apin shaft configured to slidably engage a second support structure ormass, and further wherein at least a portion of the elastomeric memberis disposed between the first and second support structures or massessuch that the first and second support structures or masses do notdirectly contact.
 15. The elastomeric pin isolator in accordance withclaim 14, wherein said pin member further includes a pin head secured tosaid elastomeric material.
 16. The elastomeric pin isolator inaccordance with claim 14, wherein said pin member is bonded to orco-molded with said elastomeric material.
 17. The elastomeric pinisolator in accordance with claim 16, wherein said elastomeric materialis bonded to or co-molded with said first support structure or mass. 18.An assembly, comprising: a frame, said frame comprising at least twoopposing frame walls connected by at least one frame rail; and at leastone elastomeric pin isolator provided in engagement with one of said atleast two opposing frame walls; and at least one elastomeric pinisolator provided in engagement with another of said at least twoopposing frame walls; wherein at least of said elastomeric pin isolatorscomprise: an elastomeric material configured to engage at least one ofsaid at least two opposing frame walls and a pin member engaged with theelastomeric material, the pin member configured to slidably engage asecond support structure or mass, and further wherein at least a portionof the elastomeric member is disposed between the at least one of saidat least two opposing frame walls and said second support structure ormass such that at least one of said at least two opposing frame wallsand the second support structure or mass do not directly contact. 19.The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein two opposing wallsurfaces engage four elastomeric pin isolators such that each opposingwall surface engages two elastomeric pin isolators.
 20. The assembly inaccordance with claim 19, wherein each elastomeric pin isolator isgenerally opposite another elastomeric pin isolator.
 21. The assembly inaccordance with claim 18, wherein said elastomeric pin isolators engagesaid at least one of said at least two opposing frame walls, and whereinsaid elastomeric pin isolators are concurrently disposed at leastpartially through an installation aperture provided within the at leastone of said at least two opposing frame walls.
 22. The assembly inaccordance with claim 21, wherein the at least one of said at least twoopposing frame walls further include at least one insertion apertureadjacent to at least one of said installation apertures, the insertionaperture having a diameter generally larger than that of saidinstallation aperture to facilitate insertion of at least a portion ofthe elastomeric material of said elastomeric pin isolators therethrough.23. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein the at least oneof said at least two opposing frame walls are further connected by ahandle assembly.
 24. The assembly in accordance with claim 18, whereinthe assembly includes top and bottom surfaces, wherein said at least oneframe rail comprises at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. 25.The assembly in accordance with claim 18, wherein the assembly includestop and bottom surfaces, wherein a deflectable tab comprises at leastpart of at least one of the top and bottom surfaces.
 26. The assembly inaccordance with claim 18, wherein at one of said at least two opposingframe walls is deflectable.
 27. The assembly in accordance with claim26, wherein at least one of said at least two opposing frame walls isdeflectable, and wherein said pin member of said at least oneelastomeric pin isolator is deflectable therewith.
 28. The assembly inaccordance with claim 27, wherein said pin member and said at least oneof said at least two opposing frame walls is deflectable to remove saidpin member engaged with said at least one of said at least two opposingframe walls from an installation path of said second support structureor mass.